Jorhat, Sept. 6: Assam's state anthem, O mor aponar dex, has rebooted, according to Asam Sahitya Sabha.

A group of 25 singers, including 14 women belonging to three local cultural organisations, became a part of cultural history this afternoon, as they performed under the guidance of music composer Jayanta Nath at the forecourt of the Sabha's central office here, according to a new set of parameters framed by five prominent musicians selected by the state's apex literary body.

Sabha general secretary Paramananda Rajbongshi told The Telegraph that the state government had appointed a committee with members from various sections of society and the literary body about two years back to look into complaints of variations in its performance.

Over the years, the song's presentation had developed variations across the state and this led to a hue and cry among many sections of society.

Subsequently, the Sabha appointed prominent Assamese musicians Prabhat Sarmah, Tapan Bhatttacharjee, Jeetu Sarmah, Bipul Baruah and Bhupen Uzir to prepare a uniform model for the state anthem's rendition.

Rajbongshi said an audio CD has been created in which the song has been performed according to the parameters fixed by the group.

He said from now while performing the song, its duration has to be within 70-75 seconds. The tune should be exactly as available in the audio track and there will be no repeat of lines. It should be sung only at the end of any function but only for the Sabha, it will remain as the flag-hoisting song, Rajbongshi added.

He also said during the performance, the singers should put their right hand on the chest.

Penned by Lakshminath Bezbaroa, one of the doyens of Assamese literature, more than a century ago, O mor aponar dex, has been for long considered the state's anthem.

However, a controversy had erupted two years back after an RTI query by a citizen whether the song was officially declared the state anthem by the Assam government. Responding to the query, the government said it did not have any official record in this regard.

Subsequently in December 2013, the state cabinet decided to declare it as Assam's anthem.

The singers today also presented for the first time the Sabha's opening song, Sira senehi mur bhaxa janani, penned by Mitradev Mahanta under a new set of guidelines fixed by the same five-member group. An audio CD of the model song has been brought out too and its duration set at 90 seconds.

The Sabha's academic wing - Central Institute of Academic Studies - was also renamed as Prachyavidarnav (scholar) Dr Maheswar Neog Institute of Assamese Studies today.

Sabha president Dhrubajyoti Bora, cultural secretary Manik Ahmed along with other senior office-bearers and prominent literary and cultural persons attended the function.